1959 Messerschmitt KR200 & Trailer *Sold £16,750*

Description

• Original UK example, re-registered with an age-related plate 
• Original frame and engine 
• Great overall condition 
• Low mileage  
• Comes with its own bespoke trailer 

The German aircraft manufacturer, Messerschmitt was prohibited from building aircraft after World War II. The company diversified. The KR200 was designed by aircraft engineer Fritz Fend, and it was the KR200 that was by far the most successful of the micro cars of that period. The Cabriolet (soft-top) was first produced in 1957. With roughly 30,000 Messerschmitts sold between 1955 and 1964. Today, when good ones like this Messerschmitt KR200 Cabriolet come to market, there is always a little buzz. 

This highly desirable Messerschmitt, or Kabinenroller (Cabin Scooter), is a rarity. It has clearly been well cared for. Featuring the all-weather ‘Kabrio’ folding soft-top.     

History 

• Owned by our vendor since 9 June 2010 
• Resprayed 2011 
• New clutch fitted 2011 
• First registered 2 June 1959 
• Prior to 2010, the Messerschmitt was re-registered, the original registration being 342 KPG 
• This Messerschmitt still has its original engine and original chassis number 

Inside 

• Aeronautics derived two-seater cabin 
• Aircraft-style steering yoke 
• Speedo, voltmeter and clock 
• Period switchgear  
• Good trims and carpeting 

The interior is a delight and couldn’t be simpler. The switch for the windshield wiper is on the wiper motor itself. Of course it is. The steering wheel is a hybrid of a steering wheel and motor bike handlebars and makes manoeuvring the Messerschmitt a doddle. The original white Bakelite ‘steering wheel’ does have some cracks appearing, but they are only original once. 

The seating is arranged centrally for the pilot and passengers/co-pilot. 

There’s a lockable storage cubby right above the rear seatback where essentials, like a picnic can be stashed. And yes, fully fledged grownups can be accommodated in the ‘cockpit’. 

Outside 

• £1,000 respray 2011 
• Good exterior 
• Gloss red paintwork 
• Black hood 
• Tonneau cover for hood when folded down 
• Chrome luggage rack and spare wheel 
• Original painted 8” steel wheels 
• Chrome hub caps 

The genius of the KR200 is its design. The entire canopy is hinged on the right side to allow easy access. With the whole canopy lifting up when you pop the handle, this layout allowed the body to taper like an aircraft fuselage, with a wider front end with two wheels and a much narrower rear end with just one wheel. You can see from the Gallery that it has had minor repair to the roof and there are of course, the usual wear and tear items for a classic of this age. 

Mechanicals 

• Original 191cc Fichtel and Sachs two-stroke single-cylinder engine 
• There is documentation suggesting the engine was rebuilt in 2000 
• 10 hp with a top speed around 65 mph 
• 4 forward and reverse gears* 
• Third gear has a slight whine 
• Direct and precise steering 
• Suspension and cable brakes said to operate effectively 
• Mechanically serviced by the vendor 
• New clutch 
• Tailgate repaired 
• Bespoke trailer built by Phoenix Trailers 

* For forward gears, ignition key needs to be turned to the right, for reverse gears, ignition key needs to be turned to the left (effectively reversing the rotation of the engine). 

This Messerschmitt comes with the major benefit of its own bespoke trailer too. 

Additional Information 

The vendor has helpfully told us this about the Messerschmitt: “The Messerschmitt is in good condition, but not concourse. No rust on the bodywork or chassis. Drives very well, however there is a slight whine in 3rd gear. There are three small areas where the paintwork has been touched up: one above the front bumper, and two above the lockable storage cubby”. 

Our view 

There is so much to appreciate with this classic. 

The beautiful simplicity. The unadulterated enjoyment to be had from driving and ‘tinkering’. Microcars.  The drive. Many owners will tell you that the experience in the cockpit with a ‘joystick’ is not too dissimilar to flying! 

They come with enthusiastic club support and of course we all know they also represent a sound investment. This is a well-cared for Messerschmitt, in good condition with its own lovely, specialised trailer.  

 

Good luck! Please remember, our site uses anti-sniping software which ensures fairness to all bidders. So, if a bid for a lot is received in the last minute, the auction will go into a 2-minute overtime period for each subsequent bid.

Vehicle Location: Bristol BS37 – it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendor.

Would like to arrange a viewing or have a question about this Messerschmitt? Please contact us at team@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf.

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